Morton’s Season Dependent on Doctor’s Visit
Before today’s game, the Pirates announced that Vance Worley will start Sunday in place of Charlie Morton. Morton pitched Tuesday against the Red Sox, throwing five scoreless, four hit innings. Morton ran up his pitch count to 92 on the game, and was taken out early as a result. Some late pain might have factored in, as well.
“Actually felt some discomfort at the end of the game,” Hurdle said.
Morton will see a doctor next week, the press release said, and that will determine the Pirates’ next decision with him.
“It’s really going to be up to the doctor’s visit,” Hurdle said. “Just got to slow down, hit pause, and send him to the specialist and see what happens.”
Pirates Hope to Break Struggles Against Gallardo
Yovani Gallardo has notoriously nominated the Pirates throughout his career, earning a 2.67 ERA and 158 strikeouts (148.1 innings) in 25 appearances (24 starts) against the Pirates. This year, he’s pitched 30.1 innings for a 2.97 ERA against the Pirates.
“His command is always his biggest ally. We’ve seem him evolve over the years. Came in throwing harder, now he’s pitching away, he’s cutting the ball. The changeup’s a big pitch. Fastball command, he can throw it in a teacup at times,” Hurdle said. “Good mound presence, poise, slow heartbeat. He competes well. He’s not going to back away. He’s not going to give into the hitter.”
In his last start versus the Pirates on August 22, though, he ran into a bit of trouble, lasting only five innings, walking three, and allowing six runs, three of which were earned. Gallardo threw 99 pitches in the start. The start before that against the Pirates he pitched seven scoreless, though the Pirates worked his pitch count to 121.
“I think we’ve had many games where we’ve been able to stretch him and get him to jack up pitch counts,” Hurdle said.
The key today, again, will be staying patient at the plate.
“The fastball, curveball, slider, they’re in play, it’s going to play away from the left handers,” Hurdle said. “We got to get him up. We’ve got to make him throw strikes, not chase.”
